Panax cissoides Plant Care

Panax cissoides (Oreopanax cissoides) belongs to the Araliaceae family within the Oreopanax genus. Panax cissoides is native to Peru. Panax cissoides is also known as Oreopanax verticillatus.

Panax cissoides displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Panax cissoides produces small white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Panax cissoides every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Panax cissoides thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Panax cissoides in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Oreopanax cissoides tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Panax cissoides prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Panax cissoides to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Panax cissoides every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Panax cissoides is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Panax cissoides can spread to about 5 ft (1.5 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 5 ft (1.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Panax cissoides while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Panax cissoides is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Panax cissoides can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to oreopanax andreanus plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Panax cissoides is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Panax cissoides grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Panax cissoides is native to Peru. In cooler regions, grow Panax cissoides as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.